Scribd
Upload
514 views13 pages

Nature of Man

The document explores the nature of man from both Western and Oriental perspectives. Western thinkers emphasize individualism, rationality, existentialism, humanism, and the social contract, while Eastern philosophies focus on harmony with nature, collectivism, and moral development. Key themes include the balance of individual freedom versus social responsibility and the inherent goodness of human nature influenced by environmental factors.

Uploaded by

Supremo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
514 views13 pages

Nature of Man

The document explores the nature of man from both Western and Oriental perspectives. Western thinkers emphasize individualism, rationality, existentialism, humanism, and the social contract, while Eastern philosophies focus on harmony with nature, collectivism, and moral development. Key themes include the balance of individual freedom versus social responsibility and the inherent goodness of human nature influenced by environmental factors.

Uploaded by

Supremo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Nature of Man

Nature of Man According to Western and Oriental Thinkers


Western Perspective
1. Individualism
2. Rationality
3. Existentialism
4. Humanism
5. Social Contract
Individualism
● Western thinkers often emphasize
the individual as the fundamental
unit of society and philosophy.
● Figures like René Descartes
emphasized self-awareness with his
famous phrase, "I think, therefore I
am."
Rationality
● Enlightenment philosophers, such
as Immanuel Kant, believed that
human nature is defined by reason
and the capacity for rational
thought.
● This perspective emphasizes the
importance of intellectual faculties.
Existentialism
● Existentialist thinkers like
Jean-Paul Sartre proposed that
human nature is marked by
freedom and choice.
● Existentialism asserts that humans
are condemned to be free and must
make choices that define their
essence.
Humanism
● Humanist thought, exemplified by
thinkers like Erasmus and
Montaigne, celebrates human
potential and emphasizes the
inherent dignity of individuals.
● It stresses the importance of
education and culture in shaping
human nature.
Social Contract
Philosophers like Thomas Hobbes and
John Locke explored the idea of the
social contract, suggesting that human
nature is driven by self-interest and the
need for organized societies to avoid
chaos.
Oriental Perspective:
1. Harmony with Nature
2. Buddhist Perspective
3. Yin and Yang
4. Collectivism
5. Moral Development
Harmony with Nature
● Many Eastern philosophies, like
Confucianism and Daoism, stress
the importance of living in harmony
with nature.
● They view human nature as
inherently good but often influenced
by social and environmental
factors.
Buddhist Perspective
● Buddhism teaches that human
nature is characterized by suffering
and the quest for enlightenment.
● It emphasizes the impermanence of
life and the need to overcome
attachment.
Yin and Yang
● In Chinese philosophy, the concept
of Yin and Yang represents the
dualistic nature of existence.
● Human nature is seen as a balance
between opposing forces, where
harmony is sought through
equilibrium
Collectivism
● Eastern thought often leans
towards collectivism, emphasizing
the interconnectedness of
individuals with their families and
communities.
● The nature of man is seen as
closely tied to social roles and
responsibilities.
Moral Development
● Confucianism, in particular, places
a strong emphasis on moral
development.
● Human nature is considered
capable of both good and evil, with
education and ethical guidance
playing a crucial role in shaping
character.

You might also like